Why Am I Bleeding Every Time I Have Sex?

Published: May 16, 2017
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 20 years old and I just started having sex with my partner. I was a virgin and we have done it about 4 or 5 times now and I am still bleeding a decent amount. I am very concerned. I don't know what i should do or if there is something wrong with me but it's pretty frightening seeing the blood all over in the middle of everything. It isn't very painful unless he goes really deep too soon, is that tearing something? What should I do, will I ever stop bleeding?
Signed: Why Am I Bleeding Every Time I Have Sex?

Dear Why Am I Bleeding Every Time I Have Sex?,

It is possible that you have a vaginal tear that is causing the bleeding or some kind of reaction or allergy to the type of condom being used that has irritated the vaginal tissue and caused some bleeding. If you started oral contraceptives this month, it is also possible you could be experiencing breakthrough bleeding.

Since TeenHealthFX cannot provide you with a definitive diagnosis, we suggest you schedule an appointment as soon as possible with a medical health professional who can learn more about your symptoms and examine the area in order to make a proper diagnosis and provide any needed treatment. As a 20-year-old woman who is sexually active, FX recommends that you find a reputable gynecologist to be meeting with (if you don’t have one already). You can schedule appointments with your gynecologist for concerns such as this one, meet yearly for routine check-ups, and have someone to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about safer sex.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. A Planned Parenthood health center is a good option if you have concerns about cost or confidentiality issues. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

You didn’t mention what safer sex precautions you are currently taking, so TeenHealthFX would like to encourage you to speak to your doctor about this as well. Doctors generally recommend that teens and young adults who choose to be sexually active use condoms each and every time they have sex to protect against unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of STDs, as well as a back-up method of birth control such as the pill or birth control shot. Your doctor can make the best recommendations for you and discuss with you how to use properly use birth control to maximize its effectiveness.

FX also suggests that you check out the links in our Resource of the Month: Planned Parenthood Resources on Safer Sex so that you can learn about sexual readiness, how pregnancy happens, pregnancy tests, emergency contraception, birth control, STDs and more. The more educated you are about these topics, the more likely you will make healthy decisions for yourself when it comes to your sexual health.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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